“Felt Like an Fool”: Kemba Walker Retirement Has Jalen Brunson Relieved However Hornets Legend Isn’t Performed Haunting Him

It looks as if Jalen Brunson simply drank a reality potion. Or possibly he simply made good on his phrase. Regardless of the case, the Knicks celebrity revealed one thing he apparently had been dodging. And it’s associated to the previous NBA star, Kemba Walker. Just a little too quickly to be calling Walker former, actually. However the 34-year-old is just not a part of the league anymore.

Not less than not as a participant. The final season noticed the veteran guard take his abilities abroad to play for the French registered basketball membership AS Monaco. Within the 26 video games Kemba performed with Monaco, he began only one, averaging 4.4 factors, 1.1 assists, and 1.4 rebounds. Suffice it to say that he performed sparingly.

So, what was it precisely that Brunson needed to share with us? Within the newest episode of the Roommates Present, Brunson admitted that Walker’s retirement was comfortable information for him. “As a result of that is the one participant who I dreaded enjoying towards and guarding in my profession,” he stated in truth. “Man, Kemba used to make me look silly. Even when it possibly didn’t look silly, I felt like an fool guarding him.”

“I simply felt like, ‘What am I doing out right here?’ I don’t know, I might quite take a cost on Zion going full pace than having to protect Kemba.” Taking up a wholesome 6’6 284-pound Zion Williamson at full pace isn’t precisely a place many would relish. Until you might be Shaq or somebody with related proportions. So, for Jalen Brunson, a 6’2 190-pound level guard, to “dread” enjoying towards a 6’0 184-pound Kemba Walker speaks volumes.

Nonetheless, is it too early for Brunson to breathe a sigh of reduction?

Jalen Brunson may not need to go head-to-head with Kemba Walker anymore, however he’s not fully rid of him, both

A day after asserting his retirement, the Hornets legend joined the crew that drafted him as a participant enhancement coach. He will probably be becoming a member of the employees of newly appointed head coach, Charles Lee, because the ‘Queen Metropolis’ seems to be to alter its narrative within the upcoming season.

Walker spent 12 seasons within the NBA, primarily enjoying with the Charlotte Hornets. The truth is, he holds the place of all-time chief in 4 completely different classes with the Hornets – factors, 3-pointers, win shares, and minutes performed. Apart from these, the 4x All-Star ranks second in assists, third in steals and video games performed, and at last, eighth in rebounds in franchise historical past.

A 21-year-old Kemba Walker had entered the league as a extremely touted prospect, within the wake of illustrious highschool and collegiate accolades. Whereas it’s true the 2011 NCAA champion made an impression, his skilled basketball path was exhausting, dotted with accidents and inconsistencies. After eight profitable seasons with the Hornets, Walker spent two seasons with Boston, and two one-year stints every with the Knicks and Mavericks.

So, Brunson received’t have to protect or fear about Kemba making him really feel like an fool. However he positively must face Hornets gamers whom the identical man will probably be coaching. Only for the ultimate contact, right here’s Josh Hart’s encounter (oblique) with Walker. “I bear in mind zo [Lonzo Ball] saying for the primary time once we performed him. He was like, ‘Dawg, this dude quick as hell!’ I’m like, ‘Dang! Lonzo athletic as hell, too. So for Zo to be saying this…’” he didn’t even full the sentence.

That’s Kemba Walker for you, girls and gents!

Earlier than you go, although, make sure to examine this video of Leonardo Armato’s tackle the lethal duo, Shaq and Kobe. Don’t overlook to examine again in for extra such updates from our ES Fancast!